Obesity Prevention in child care Centers

Obesity Prevention in child care Centers
August 7, 2007
Early childhood researchers and teachers should rejoice that The Future of Children journal, established years ago by The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, continues under the capable aegis of Princeton University and The Brookings Institution. Issues of this publication can be downloaded for free at www.futureofchildren.org.
A recent issue addresses child obesity and devotes a chapter to obesity prevention in child care centers. This chapter discusses, among other strategies, the importance of reducing consumption of sweetened beverages, including juice...
“Several studies indicate that sweetened beverages may contribute to the increased prevalence of obesity among preschool children. One analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data found a positive link between the consumption of carbonated soft drinks and overweight in all age groups, including two- to five-year-olds.... A cross-sectional study in 1997 found that two- to five-year-old children who drank twelve or more ounces of fruit juice a day were more likely (32 percent as against 9 percent) to be obese than those who drank less juice. Not all studies have found a link between juice consumption and overweight, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged one to six drink no more than four to six ounces of fruit juice a day. Fruit juice and fruit drinks are easily over consumed by toddlers and young children because they taste good. They are also conveniently packaged and can be carried around during the day. Because juice is viewed as nutritious, child care providers or parents may not set limits. Like soda, however, it can contribute to obesity . Whole fruit should be encouraged as an alternative because of the fiber benefit and because whole fruit takes longer to eat.”

Contributed by Edna Ranck ExchangeEveryDay

Brought to you by Farouk Kahwaji
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